Since gleefully accepting the glittering Miss Cambridgeshire crown last autumn, Kirsty Bentley literally hasn’t stopped. The bubbly 22-year-old chats to Louise Cummings about her catwalk debut, promising dance career and hanging out with Mark Wright

You know sometimes you meet people who are so ambitious, talented and down-right dedicated, you feel tired just thinking about their frenetic lives? Allow me to introduce Kirsty Bentley. Willowy, long limbed and strikingly beautiful, with simply hypnotic eyes, it’s no surprise that she walked off with the Miss Cambridgeshire sash, but pageantry – I soon discover – is only a small part of this Mildenhall girl’s life.

In her third year of a BA honours dance and culture degree at the University of Surrey, Kirsty is currently on her placement year at DanceEast in Ipswich, managing community projects for young people and community groups.When she isn’t doing that she’s taking dance classes in Brandon, Newmarket or Mildenhall for Anglia Community Leisure, or teaching her TwinkleToes class for tiny tots with Darcy Bussell-sized dreams. Weekends are often spent organising fund-raising events – from dance classes dressed as Bob the Builder to charity 5ks – for charities close to Kirsty’s heart. Oh, and did I mention most days she’s up at 5.30am for a gruelling boot camp, to keep in check her perfectly proportioned body (size 8, 5ft 7in tall, with a 25 inch waist)? So, what motivates Miss Bentley and how did she become a beauty queen? Style finds out. . .

Were you into beauty and dressing up as a child?

Oh yes, I was into everything little girls are into; make-up, hair, dolls. I always used to try on my mum’s shoes, too, as she had a habit of buying very high stilettos so I wanted to wear them, but they never quite fit.They fit now though as we’re the same size; she lets me borrow them too!

When did you get into pageantry?

It wasn’t something I had always wanted to do, if I am honest. I saw the advert for Miss Cambridgeshire at quite a sad time actually. My granddad had passed away and he always used to call me ‘Princess Kirsty’, so I thought he’d want me to do it and applied. It’s really strange because when I had my very first interview for Miss Cambridgeshire, it was in the same building as his wake, which felt like some kind of sign.

How did you feel to get into the final of Miss Cambridgeshire?

I was so excited! All of the girls in the competition had become really good friends; I had thought it would be quite catty so I was surprised that we all became so close. The different rounds were quite daunting; the first was racewear outfits and I was first out, so I was the only contestant who didn’t know the questions!

How did you get on with the public speaking aspect?

I thought I was going to be really shaky. It was quite daunting to have the five-strong judging panel there, including Mark Wright, plus the hosts and all of the audience. But I kind of loved it and I couldn’t stop smiling, so I think that helped!

How did it feel making your catwalk debut?

I was so excited; a lot of the girls, because of their nerves, walked really quickly as they wanted to get off stage fast, but I made the most of it – I didn’t want to leave. It was an amazing feeling; you can’t really describe it apart from maybe an adrenaline rush. My family were right at the end of the first catwalk, so I could walk towards them.

How did you feel when you were announced as the winner?

I never thought I would win, so just before the announcement I was backstage eating Hula Hoops and saying to everyone else what an amazing time I’d had. I accidentally wiped my greasy crisps on my dress and I knew I had the tags hanging out of the side of it too, so was not prepared at all when they said I’d won! I was a bit shell-shocked. They had announced the different rounds winners earlier, for popularity and fitness, that kind of thing. I won the charity round because I raised the most money, £1,400. So I was just happy to have won that and was ready to clap the winner when they said my name.

How did your family react?

My dad jumped on stage, and he’s not a small guy either. I just heard this crash and he was on stage, and I don’t think I’ve ever had a hug so tight. My whole family was crying, even my brother who never cries!

What was Mark Wright like? He was lovely; I’ve met him three times now. They are exactly how you see them on the TV. He won an auction prize of a helicopter ride in Cambridge and so I went over there for that and the third time I saw him, he recognised me, which felt a bit strange!

He’s a well-known womaniser! Has he asked you out?

He hasn’t asked me out although his PA has, but that’s another story, and I do have a boyfriend!

What have you been up to in your role as Miss Cambridgeshire?

I’ve done so much; I’ve been continuing to raise money. I put together a themed finalist calendar featuring girls from Miss Cambridgeshire, that was for the Beauty with a Purpose charity. I do charity car boots every bank holiday, I get asked to lots of charity events and I endeavour to go to all of them.

What’s been the highlight?

I love meeting new people. I met the ladies who work at Papworth Hospital charity; I went and did their raffle and they said how well I’d done, which really touched me.

Although for me, the main highlight is my fitness achievement. One of my prizes was a 28-day boot camp and nutritional advice with Lean Body Fitness and Jade Skillen, who is incredible. I started in January, and at the end stayed on. My waist has gone from 29 to 25 inches since January and I’ve also gained a lot of muscle tone and feel great.

Your other passion is dancing; has it been a lifelong obsession?

Ever since I was two-and-a-half, since I could pretty much walk, I was at ballet and I loved it! I literally haven’t stopped since. I absolutely love my dance degree. I’ve been away from the campus for a year to be on my dance placement at DanceEast in Ipswich, and I’ve really missed it.

Tell me about the teaching side. . .

I have a class which I call TwinkleToes; they are three plus and they adore me, which is actually so beautiful!They think I am a princess and I think they are little princesses too. I teach them creative ballet and we do a lot of technique, we play lots of games and have fun; it is the best job! I do that when I’m back home from uni. I also teach an older class, where the average age is 14 and it’s great because they still think I’m cool even though I’m 22!

So with modelling and dancing career options, what’s your dream?

I feel like I need to take every opportunity as it comes because I would limit myself if I decided to definitely do one thing. I’m quite happy to roll with it and see where it goes. I’m enjoying it that way. I love teaching; I really do. I’d love to set up my own dance school and have an army of mini me’s!

How would you describe your style? There’s two sides to me; there’s relaxed sporty Kirsty in Converse and then the girlie side in floral dungarees or little dresses and jackets. I love my high heels, especially Kurt Geiger, they are amazing. I have a fabulous pair of Topshop platforms that make me about 8ft tall!

Which models or celebrities do you admire? I love Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge. She’s just beautiful and natural and she doesn’t even need to try. You can tell she’s beautiful because she’s a nice person rather than because she’s been styled that way. She’s a great role model.

How did you get on in the Miss England final in June?

I came top six out of 60 for fitness, top 12 for beachwear and top 20 for talent.

I also raised £2,900 for charity. Although I did not win the crown, I am very proud of myself and the winner was a friend who was very deserving of it!